Kim Thomas
Kim Thomas is the owner of Christopher Amira Studio and Christopher Amira Academy. In 2017 Thomas started the Christopher Amira Academy to help create bridges and pathways into the beauty industry for future beauty professionals. And to provide industry leaders with advanced training and business development. Thomas is a native of Cleveland, she attended South High School. She is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace 2009 Emerging Entrepreneurs’ class founded by the Presidents Council.
Thomas has worked in many areas of the beauty industry. She was a Senior Platform Artist for John Paul Mitchell Systems for 20 years and traveled globally sharing a wealth of business building knowledge on launching new techniques and products for In-salon classes/ workshops. Her passion shows in everything she does from teaching to helping others on becoming successful beauty leaders to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of the industry. This type of drive and influence is what continues to make her successful and the well respected person she is today. She is one of the most sought after educators in the beauty industry, known for her business and leadership skills.
Thomas has distinguished herself in business, being selected as “Business Women of the Year” by Loti Phi Lambda in 2012, voted as one of the “Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons” by Salon Today Magazine for two consecutive years, was selected as one of the 20 IP’s (Interesting Personalities) by Who’s Who publishing in Cleveland in 2012.
In 2016 Thomas received the ‘Howard Metzenbaum Volunteer Of The Year Award’. And in 2017 the City of Cleveland recognized Thomas as a Hometown Hero. Mayor Frank Jackson appointed Thomas to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Workforce Development Board in 2018.
In 2008, Thomas was appointed to the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology and was later elected as Chairman of the Board, she served on the 9-member board for four years. In this capacity, she helped to regulate licensed salons, cosmetology schools operating in the State of Ohio and helped to promulgate rules governing the industry. She was part of the Board that identified Human Trafficking as a problem in cosmetology, and voted to take measures to combat human trafficking during her Board tenure. In 2018, Govenor John R. Kasich reappointed Thomas to the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board.
For Thomas, it’s important to give back. She is the Co-founder of Change of Direction, a non-profit that mentors at-risk youth and provide business internships for the workforce. She has partnered with many organizations such as, The “Cut It Out” program, Salons Against Domestic Abuse. This initiative helps stylists recognize the signs of abuse. ”Look Good… Feel Better, a program to train and certify cosmetologists to directly help cancer survivors cope with appearance-related side effects; the NCA Disaster Relief Fund, a program established to directly support salon professionals impacted by natural disasters and Go Red For Women, the American Heart Association’s, helping to increase awareness of heart disease and to inspire women to take charge of their health.
Thomas goal is to change the way people view the industry. She strongly believes, if you change the way you look at things, things will change.
Thomas is the wife of Danny Thomas; they are the proud parents of two children, Christopher and Amira.